A34666:1543
A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that…
A brief exposition with practical observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...A briefe exposition with practicall observations upon the whole book of Ecclesiastes by that late pious and worthy divine, Mr. John Cotton ... ; published by Anthony Tuckney ...
London: printed by T.C. for Ralph Smith, 1654
A BRIEF EXPOSITION UPON ECCLESIASTES. › VerseA BRIEFE EXPOSITION UPON ECCLESIASTES. › Verse
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Use 2. To teach Magistrates to improve their wisdom in all the former particulars mentioned in the Reasons.
Ʋse 2. To teach Magistrates to improve their wisdome in all the former particulars mentioned in the Reasons.
Doctr. As a Serpent biting without enchantment cannot afterwards be healed with skilful words: so neither can a mischief befallen a Prince or People for want of wisdom, be afterwards healed by great or sweet words. The Scripture speaketh of some Serpents which will not be charmed. Psal. 58.4, 5. Jer. 8.17. But it implieth that some may be, and are charmed by Enchanters, joining societies cunningly with the Devil, (as the phrase is, Psal. 58.5.) and when they are not charmed; then they sting without interruption and without remedy many times. So when a Prince hath not used wisdom to direct his affairs, he may be strong with a mortal mischief to himself and the state, and then skilful words will do no good. Rehoboam neglecting to charm the peoples discontent before hand, 1 Kings 12.13, ⟨p. 225⟩to 19. afterwards in vain came Adoram, what words soever he gave them to gather up Tribute, verse 18. yea, in vain were Abijam's savoury words afterwards, 2 Chron. 13.4, to 13.
Doctr. As a Serpent biting without enchantment cannot afterwards be healed with skilful words: so neither can a mischiefe befallen a Prince or People for want of wisdome, be afterwards healed by great or sweet words. The Scripture speaketh of some Serpents which will not be charmed.